Herbs Guide

Yohimbe

Family Name: Rubiaceae

Botanical Name(s): Pausinystalia Yohimbe

Popular Name(s): Quebrachin, Aphrodin, Corynine, Yohimvetol, and Hydroergotocin.

Parts Used: Stem or Smaller branches

Habitat: Yohimbe is a tall evergreen forest tree native to southwestern Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon and the Congo.

Description: It is a large tree with yellow-ochre wood and dark green glossy leaves. Capsules, containing winged seeds, follow the Umbel clusters of white to pink tubular flowers.

Uses: Yohimbe bark was used in western Africa for fevers, leprosy, and coughs. It has also been used to dilate pupils, for heart disease, and as a local anesthetic.